Silicon Valley Communities
Los Altos
Small-Town Charm. Top-Tier Schools. Silicon Valley Access.
$3.9M
Median Home Price
10
Avg. Days on Market
9/10
GreatSchools Rating
~31,500
Population
7 sq mi
Area
Overview
The Heights of Silicon Valley
Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Altos has built a reputation as one of the Peninsula’s most coveted addresses — and it has little to do with flash. With a population of just under 32,000 spread across seven square miles, the city has deliberately preserved a small-town rhythm even as it sits minutes from Google, Apple, and Meta.
Downtown Los Altos remains the heart of it all: a walkable strip of boutiques, sidewalk cafes, and locally owned restaurants along State and Main, anchored by weekly farmers markets and community events like the Festival of Lights Parade and Fine Art in the Park. Tree-lined residential streets fan out from there, mixing mid-century ranches with newer architectural builds on generously sized, quarter-acre-minimum lots.
Education remains the single biggest draw. The Los Altos School District and Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District consistently rank among the top in California, making the city a long-term investment as much as a lifestyle choice.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Life in Los Altos
Top-Rated Schools
Covington, Santa Rita, Oak Avenue, and Loyola Elementary feed into Egan and Blach Middle Schools and Los Altos High — all consistently ranked among California’s best.
Walkable Downtown
State Street Market, boutique shopping, and acclaimed restaurants line a historic, pedestrian-friendly Main Street just minutes from most neighborhoods.
Parks & Open Space
Shoup Park and the Redwood Grove Nature Preserve offer shaded trails along Adobe Creek, while Hidden Villa and Rancho San Antonio sit just minutes away.
Easy Tech Commute
Foothill Expressway, El Camino Real, and I-280 put Google, Apple, Meta, and Stanford within a 10–20 minute drive.
Around Town
Local Favorites
A few of the spots that give Los Altos its character — from the downtown dining scene to weekend trails just outside the village.
Dining
State Street Market
A modern food hall downtown with chef-driven eateries in a relaxed, communal setting.
Urfa Bistro
Mediterranean plates in a chic, casual setting along the downtown strip.
Aurum
Upscale Indian dishes with a modern presentation, a newer favorite on Main Street. MICHELIN Guide recommended.
Shopping
Downtown Boutiques
More than 150 independently owned shops, cafes, and galleries line State and Main.
Thursday Farmers Market
A weekly downtown tradition with fresh produce, live music, and local makers.
State Street Shops
A curated mix of home goods, fashion, and gift boutiques just off Main.
Things to Do
Shoup Park & Redwood Grove
Shaded trails along Adobe Creek connect to a quiet redwood and oak nature preserve.
Los Altos History Museum
Rotating exhibits on the town’s evolution from orchard land to Silicon Valley suburb.
Hidden Villa
A 1,600-acre working farm and open space preserve just minutes away, with trails and educational programs.
Find Your Way
Los Altos on the Map
A look at downtown Los Altos and the surrounding area — including a few of the local favorites featured above.
State Street Market
Downtown food hall
Shoup Park & Redwood Grove
Trails along Adobe Creek
Los Altos History Museum
Civic Center area
Hidden Villa
Open space & working farm